Troop Pharmacy > Blog
Posted on:

Cherry Chocolate Pancake

Ingredients

2 Cups all-purpose flour
2 Tablespoons sugar
1/2 Teaspoon salt
1/2 Teaspoon baking powder
1/2 Teaspoon baking soda
2 large eggs
1/2 Cup buttermilk
1 cup milk
3 Tablespoons melted butter
20 (apprx.) cherries, defrosted and halved (or you can use fresh)
4-6 ounces milk chocolate, crumbled or just buy chocolate chips. You could use dark chocolate.

Whipped Cream

1 Cup whipping cream
1 Tablespoon sugar
1/2 Teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1) Whip the whipping cream ingredients to make a fresh whip cream. Refrigerate upon completion.

2) Combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl and then whisk in the wet ingredients which you should mix together separately.

3) Let pancake batter rest for 10-15 minutes in the fridge. Prep the cherries and chocolate.

4) Heat up some butter or oil in the pan or on the griddle over medium-high heat. When it is hot, add a few tablespoons of batter and cook a small pancake. The batter should spread out evenly. If it stays in one spot, the batter is too thick and you need to add more milk. If it runs all over the pan, it is too thin and you need to whisk in some more flour.

5) Pour the pancake (1/2 cup), and then after it has been cooking for 1 minute (it will start to set up), sprinkle cherries and chocolate on top.

6) When you start to see good sized bubbles forming on the surface of the batter, the edges around the pancake start to firm up and you’ll be able to easily maneuver a spatula under it, flip the pancake.

7) The first side will need probably 3-4 minutes and the second side will only need one or two minutes.

8) Top with a little whipped cream and syrup and you are in heaven.

 

Written by Omojo Emeje

Source: Macheesmo

Posted on:

Great Smoothies Recipes For a Lovely Weekend!

Pina Colada Protein Smoothie

INGREDIENTS
1 can coconut milk
1 banana
2/3 c. frozen pineapple
1/3 c. Frozen Mango
1 scoop Protein powder
Pineapple wedge, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
  1. Combine coconut milk, banana, pineapple, mango and protein powder in a blender and blend on high until smooth.
  2. Garnish with a wedge of pineapple and serve.

Super-fruit Smoothie

INGREDIENTS
1 c. frozen cherries
1 kiwi, peeled and chopped (reserve 2 slices for garnish)
1 c. almond milk
1 tbsp. chia seeds
DIRECTIONS
  1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high until smooth.
  2. Pour into 2 glasses and garnish with kiwi.

Easy Banana Smoothie

INGREDIENTS
2 small bananas (or 1 large)
1 c. ice
3/4 c. unsweetened almond milk
1/4 c. plain yogurt
1 tbsp. flaxseed
2 tsp. honey
DIRECTIONS
  1. Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Sunshine Daydream Smoothie

INGREDIENTS
1 c. frozen strawberries
1/2 c. frozen peaches
1 c. plain yogurt
1/2 c. coconut water
1 fresh strawberry, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
  1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high until smooth.
  2. Pour into 2 glasses and garnish each with half a strawberry.

 

Written by: Omojo Emeje

Source: Delish

Posted on:

Thai Fried Rice

Fried remains the best thing to do with leftover rice. The slightly dried out rice will absorbed more of the flavors and crisp up slightly as is cooks. Something fresh rice could never do. Rather than soy sauce like a traditional Chinese fried rice would use, Thai fried rice uses fish sauce. A sauce called, prik nam pla, which is fish sauce and Thai red chilis, is used in the dish and served along with it as an additional garnish. Mix the sauce together before prepping the rest of your ingredients to give it time to develop flavor.

INGREDIENTS
2-3 Thai red chilis, thinly sliced
3 tbsp. fish sauce
2 tbsp. vegetable oil, divided
2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 green onions, white and light green parts cut into 1″ pieces
1 tsp. freshly minced ginger
4 c. cooked white rice, preferably day old
3 tbsp. oyster sauce
2 large eggs, beaten
Freshly chopped cilantro, for serving
Lime wedges, for serving
DIRECTIONS
  1. In a small bowl, combine chilis and fish sauce. Set aside while you prep the rest of your ingredients.
  2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add chicken and cook, tossing occasionally, until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate to keep warm. Drain skillet, if needed.
  3. Return skillet over medium-high heat and heat remaining tablespoon oil. Add carrots and cook until softened, 3 minutes. Add garlic, green onions, and ginger and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add rice, 3 tablespoons of the fish sauce mixture, and oyster sauce. Toss until rice is well coated, then push rice to one side of pan.
  4. On the empty side of the pan, add a little more oil if your pan is dry. Add beaten eggs and scramble with a rubber spatula until just barely set, then combine with rice. Return chicken to skillet and stir to combine.
  5. Serve with cilantro, lime wedges, and any remaining fish sauce.

 

Written by: Omojo Emeje

Source of recipe: Delish

Posted on:

5-Ingredient Shrimp Stir Fry

This recipe is super versatile and can be suited to whatever your tastes are. Swap the sweet chili garlic sauce for your favorite brand of hoisin, oyster sauce, sweet and sour sauce or pad thai sauce. As long as you stick to the package directions, feel free to sub in any stir-fry friendly noodle your heart desires. The snow peas aren’t mandatory either! Other quick cooking veggies like sliced asparagus or chopped bok choy would shine here as well. Don’t be afraid to go fridge diving for fun things to add!

INGREDIENTS
8 oz. rice linguini noodles
8 oz. raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 c. plus 1 tbsp. sweet chili sauce, divided
8 oz. snow peas, sliced on the diagonal
2 tbsp. Canola oil, divided
DIRECTIONS
  1. Bring 3-4 quarts of water to a boil and remove from heat. Place rice linguine noodles in a large metal or glass bowl and cover in hot water for 25 minutes, stirring with a fork frequently to break up any noodle clumps. After about 15 minutes water should be cool enough to pull out and separate any clumped noodles.
  2. Rinse shrimp and place on a paper towel lined plate. Pat dry and season with salt and pepper on both sides. Add shrimp and 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce to a container with a lid. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes and up to overnight.
  3. Drain and rinse noodles and return to the bowl. Gather your ingredients (noodles, shrimp, remaining 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, and snow peas) in bowls and place on a sheet tray next to the stove.
  4. Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil and swirl in pan to coat. When you see the first wisp of smoke, add shrimp and cook until they begin to turn pink, 1 minute each side. The sugars in the sweet chili sauce should caramelize just a little bit and create tasty bits in the pan.
  5. Make space in the middle of the pan, add remaining 1 tablespoon oil and sliced snow peas and cook 2 minutes. Add prepared noodles and ¼ cup of sweet chili sauce. Continue to cook until noodles are coated and heated through, about 4 to 6 minutes. Serve immediately.

 

Written by: Omojo Emeje

Source of recipe: Delish

Posted on:

Benefits of Aloe vera gel on the face

Aloe Vera is a common household plant known for its skin healing properties. It is a cactus-like plant. Its leave produces a gel that is rich in vitamins like A, C, E, and B12.

Due to its health, beauty, medicinal and skincare properties, Aloe Vera has been regarded as the universal panacea because it contains anti-fungal, anti-viral, and cell regenerative properties.
The clear gel-like substance inside the leaves of the plant, popularly known as ALOE VERA GEL, contains 75 potentially active constituents – vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponius, salicylic acid and amino acids.

BENEFITS
– It moisturizes dry skin.
– It soothes sunburn ?
– Relieves eczema and psoriasis.
– It helps in relieving skin irritation.
– It helps to exfoliate the skin due to the presence of salicylic acid.
– It treats mouth sores.
– It slows down the signs of aging (Anti-aging properties).
– It helps to fight Acne and fades blemishes.

 

Written by Chiamaka Alexandra

Posted on:

What you should know about CBD Oil!

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a product that’s derived from cannabis. It’s a type of cannabinoid, which are the chemicals naturally found in marijuana plants. Even though it comes from marijuana plants, CBD doesn’t create a “high” effect or any form of intoxication — that’s caused by another cannabinoid, known as THC.

There’s some controversy around cannabis products like CBD oil because of recreational marijuana use. But there’s growing awareness about the possible health benefits of CBD oil. Here’s what you need to know about six potential medical uses of CBD and where the research stands:

1. Anxiety relief

CBD may be able to help you manage anxiety. Researchers think it may change the way your brain’s receptors respond to serotonin, a chemical linked to mental health. Receptors are tiny proteins attached to your cells that receive chemical messages and help your cells respond to different stimuli.

One study found that a 600mg dose of CBD helped people with social anxiety give a speech. Other early studies done with animals have shown that CBD may help relieve anxiety by:

  • reducing stress
  • decreasing physiological effects of anxiety, such as an increased heart rate
  • improving symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • inducing sleep in cases of insomnia

2. Anti-seizure

CBD has been in the news before, as a possible treatment for epilepsy. Research is still in its early days. Researchers are testing how much CBD is able to reduce the number of seizures in people with epilepsy, as well as how safe it is. The American Epilepsy Society states that cannabidiol research offers hope for seizure disorders, and that research is currently being conducted to better understand safe use.

A study from 2016 worked with 214 people with epilepsy. The study participants added oral doses of 2 to 5mg of CBD per day to their existing anti-epilepsy medications. The study’s researchers monitored the participants for 12 weeks, recording any negative side effects and checking on the frequency of their seizures. Overall, participants had 36.5 percent fewer seizures per month. However, severe adverse effects were recorded in 12 percent of the participants.

3. Neuroprotective

Researchers are looking at a receptor located in the brain to learn about the ways that CBD could help people with neurodegenerative disorders, which are diseases that cause the brain and nerves to deteriorate over time. This receptor is known as CB1.

Researchers are studying the use of CBD oil for treating:

  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • stroke

CBD oil may also reduce the inflammation that can make neurodegenerative symptoms worse. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD oil for neurodegenerative diseases.

4. Pain relief

The effects of CBD oil on your brain’s receptors may also help you manage pain. Studies have shown that cannabis can offer some benefits when taken after chemotherapy treatments. Other pre-clinical studies sponsored by the National Institutes of Health are also looking at the role of cannabis in relieving symptoms caused by:

  • arthritis
  • chronic pain
  • MS pain
  • muscle pain
  • spinal cord injuries

5. Anti-acne

The effects of CBD on receptors in the immune system may help reduce overall inflammation in the body. In turn, CBD oil may offer benefits for acne management. A human study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that the oil prevented activity in sebaceous glands. These glands are responsible for producing sebum, a natural oily substance that hydrates the skin. Too much sebum, however, can lead to acne.

Before you consider CBD oil for acne treatment, it’s worth discussing with your dermatologist. More human studies are needed to evaluate the potential benefits of CBD for acne.

6. Cancer treatment

Some studies have investigated the role of CBD in preventing cancer cell growth, but research is still in its early stages. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) says that CBD may help alleviate cancer symptoms and cancer treatment side effects. However, the NCI doesn’t fully endorse any form of cannabis as a cancer treatment. The action of CBD that’s promising for cancer treatment is its ability to moderate inflammation and change how cell reproduce. CBD has the effect of reducing the ability of some types of tumor cells to reproduce.

CBD oil side effects

CBD oil usually doesn’t have any major risks for users. However, side effects are possible. These include:

  • depression
  • dizziness
  • hallucinations
  • low blood pressure
  • withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability and insomnia

More human studies are needed to fully understand the range of risks and side effects that CBD oil may cause. Studies of CBD oil aren’t common. This is partially because Schedule 1 substances like cannabis are highly regulated, causing some obstacles for researchers. With the legalization of marijuana products, more research is possible, and more answers will come.

 

Written by: Blessing Atabo

Source: Healthline.

 

Feel free to purchase yours today at http://backup.troopharm.com/product/cbd-750-oil-cinnamon/

 

Posted on:

Probiotics!

Probiotics are made of good, alive bacteria and/or yeasts that naturally live in your body. You constantly have both good and bad bacteria in your body. When you get an infection, there’s more bad bacteria, knocking your system out of balance. Good bacteria helps eliminate extra bad bacteria, returning the balance.

Probiotic supplements are a way to add good bacteria to your body.

Factors affecting the effects of Probiotics:

– Antibiotics

– A diet low in fibre

– Chronic disease disruption

– Less exercise

– Age

– Poor sleeping quality

– Alcohol consumption

Benefits of Probiotics:

– It balances the friendly bacteria in the digestive system.

– It helps to prevent and treat diarrhoea.

– It improves mental health.

– It helps to keep the heart healthy.

– It reduces the severity of certain allergies and eczema.

– It reduces the symptoms of certain digestive disorders.

– It helps to boost immunity.

– It helps to lose weight and belly fat.

Various ways to benefit from Probiotics:

1.  Through supplement

2. Yoghurt

3. Kefir

4. Pickles

5. Kimchi

6. Kombucha

7. Traditional Buttermilk

8. Cheese

Posted on:

Natural Remedies To Help With Hypothyroidism!

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones to keep the body functioning normally.

The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped endocrine that is located in the lower front of the neck. The thyroid function is to make thyroid hormones, which are secreted into the blood and carried to every tissue in the body. Thyroid hormones also help the body use energy, stay warm and keep the brain, heart, muscles and other organs working as it should.

Natural remedies for hypothyroidism include:

– Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has medium-chain fatty acids that help in better functioning of the thyroid gland. Coconut oil, specifically when taken in a non-heated form, helps with weight loss, increases metabolism and balances body temperature.

Unlike other types of oils, coconut oil has high content of saturated fat (healthy). With the right combination of exercise and the proper balanced diet, coconut oil could be good for thyroid glands.

– Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar helps in balanced production and expression of hormones. It improves metabolism and helps to alkalize the body environment.

Apple cider vinegar helps regulate body fats, wash away toxins from the body, and absorption of nutrients. Apple cider vinegar can be added to water along with honey and can be taken every morning.

– Ginger

This is one of the easiest home remedies for thyroid as it is easily available. Ginger is rich in essential minerals like potassium and magnesium and helps combat inflammation- one of the primary causes of thyroid issues. It is easiest to have ginger tea. It can also be used as an essential oil. If ginger is mixed with a carrier oil (coconut oil, for example) it can be applied to the body. Ginger oil can also be used via essential oil diffusers.

– Vitamin B

Vitamins help to fight the underlying causes for thyroid problems. Vitamins from the ‘B’ family are essential for proper thyroid function. Vitamin B12 is especially instrumental in helping people with hypothyroidism. Including eggs, meat, fish, legumes, milk, and nut in daily diet might help with a steady supply of Vitamin B.

Since the diet may not be able to meet the daily requirements, taking supplements will help.

– Vitamin D

Deficiency of vitamin D can lead to thyroid problems. Since the body can produce it only when exposed to the sun, ensure that you get a minimum of 15 minutes of sunlight daily. This will also lead to better calcium absorption and good immunity.

Some foods that are rich in Vitamin D are fatty fishes like salmon and mackerel, dairy products, orange juice, and egg yolks. If Vitamin D levels in the body are very low, supplements will be necessary. However, one must be cautious and consult with a doctor about dosage because too much vitamins in the body can be harmful.

– Almonds

Most nuts are beneficial to the body in some way or the other. Almonds are best suited for proper thyroid expression. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and minerals.

Almonds have selenium that is thyroid healthy nutrient. It is also very rich in magnesium that can keep the thyroid gland working very smoothly.

– Dairy Products

Milk, cheese, and yogurt are very beneficial for thyroid as these are high in iodine, the mineral that is essential for proper thyroid functioning. Consuming dairy products will also help with increasing vitamin levels which in turn will help with thyroid problems.

– Beans

Beans are a powerhouse of nutrition. They are rich in fiber, protein, essential minerals and vitamins. Beans are rich in antioxidants and complex carbohydrates. Since beans are also very high in fiber, it helps with constipation which is a common side effect of hypothyroidism. Eating beans regularly has been shown to improve thyroid function.

– Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are rich in good fatty acids that are good for the heart and the thyroid. They help in the production of the thyroid hormones. Rich in magnesium and vitamin B12.

– Iodine Supplements

Another thing that works in improper thyroid functioning is taking iodine supplements. This becomes more important for those who are vegetarians. These supplements restore the balance of iodine in the body and help with thyroid health.

– Regular Exercise

This is one of the most important and most overlooked aspects of maintaining good thyroid functioning. Medicines and natural remedies are fine but it has to be teamed up with proper exercise. Regular exercise helps with proper hormonal balance and leads to better weight management that helps with dealing with thyroid problems.

Foods to eat:

1. Foods rich in iodine

• Cheese

• Milk

• Whole eggs

2. Foods rich in selenium

• Chicken

• Oatmeal

• Shrimps

3. Foods rich in Zinc

• Oysters

• Legumes

• Beef

• Yoghurt

Posted on:

Be Merry With Strawberry

We all love our berries, don’t we? That sharp-like, sweet and tasty sensation we get from that one bite! However, its not only the feeling we get from such a bite but the numerous amazing nutrients that go with it.

The strawberry (fragaria Ananassa) originated in europe in the 18th century, it is a hybrid of two wild strawberry species from North America and Chile. They are bright red, juicy and sweet. Also they are excellent source of vitamin C and Manganese and contain decent amount of Folate (Vitamin B9) and Potassium.

As an antioxidant,they are good to nuture the skin while other health benefits include heart health and blood sugar control.

They contains

Water 91%
Carbohydrate 7.7%
Fat 0.3%
Protein 0.7%

They are also good sources of Iron, Copper, Phosphorus and Vitamin B6.

Some of its Health benefits include:

Protect The Heart

The abundance of antioxidants and polyphenols in strawberries make them the ideal food to protect your heart from ailments. Strawberries contain anthocyanins (the antioxidants responsible for their red hue), which protect the lining of the circulatory system, thereby shielding the arteries from plaque build-up and regulating the blood pressure

Help Fight Cancer

Strawberries are exceptionally good sources of vitamin C and fiber, both of which have been found to protect from cancers of the esophagus and colon. The anticancer properties of strawberries, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research, can be attributed to the presence of ellagic acid – a phytochemical that can prevent cancers of the skin, lung, bladder, and breast

Boost Immunity

Strawberries are excellent sources of vitamin C. In fact, a single serving of strawberries has more vitamin C than an orange. Vitamin C has been found to trigger immune-boosting antibodies, which ultimately enhance your body’s ability to fight infections

Improve Brain Health

The credit goes to the antioxidants, again. Strawberries, with their high content of antioxidants, protect the brain cells from damage due to free radicals. They also change the way the neurons in the brain communicate with each other. This ultimately leads to improved brain health.

Fight Inflammation

Strawberries contain quercetin, and according to a study conducted by the University of Massachusetts, intake of quercetin, along with regular exercise, can reduce atherosclerosis plaque formation.
Strawberries are also rich in vitamin C, which plays a major role in preventing inflammation. This vitamin also plays a role in easing the symptoms of arthritis and gout.

Improve Vision Health

Strawberries are loaded with antioxidants that were found to prevent cataract, macular degeneration, and other eye diseases.

Posted on:

What You Should Know About TROOP-C!!

TROOP-C contains Vitamin C, which is a water-soluble vitamin needed for normal growth and development.

Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water. Leftover amounts of the vitamin leave the body through the urine. Although the body keeps a small reserve of these vitamins, they have to be taken regularly to prevent a shortage in the body.

Functions of TROOP-C (Vitamin C)

TROOP-C (Vitamin C) is needed for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body. It is used to:

– Form an important protein used to make skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels

– Heal wounds and form scar tissue

– Repair and maintain cartilage, bones, and teeth

– Aid in the absorption of iron

– Reduce ageing of skin and wrinkles.

– Prevent and treat Ultraviolet damage.

Vitamin C is one of many antioxidants. Antioxidants are nutrients that block some of the damage caused by free radicals.

Free radicals are made when your body breaks down food or when you are exposed to tobacco smoke or radiation. The buildup of free radicals over time is largely responsible for the aging process. Free radicals may play a role in cancer, heart disease, and conditions like arthritis.

The body is not able to make vitamin C on its own. It does not store vitamin C. It is therefore important to include plenty of vitamin C-containing foods in your daily diet.

For many years, vitamin C has been a popular household remedy for the common cold. Research shows that for most people, vitamin C supplements or vitamin C-rich foods do not reduce the risk of getting the common cold.

However, people who take vitamin C supplements regularly might have slightly shorter colds or somewhat milder symptoms.

Food Sources of Vitamin C

All fruits and vegetables contain some amount of Vitamin C.

Fruits with the highest sources of Vitamin C include:

– Cantaloupe

– Citrus fruits and juices, such as orange and grapefruit

– Kiwi fruit

– Mango

– Papaya

– Pineapple

– Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and cranberries

– Watermelon

Vegetables with the highest sources of vitamin C include:

– Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower

– Green and red peppers

– Spinach, cabbage, turnip greens, and other leafy greens

– Sweet and white potatoes

– Tomatoes and tomato juice

Some cereals and other foods and beverages are fortified with vitamin C. Fortified means a vitamin or mineral has been added to the food. Check the product labels to see how much vitamin C is in the product.

Cooking vitamin C-rich foods or storing them for a long period of time can reduce the vitamin C content. Microwaving and steaming vitamin C-rich foods may reduce cooking losses. The best food sources of vitamin C are uncooked or raw fruits and vegetables. Exposure to light can also reduce vitamin C content. Choose orange juice that is sold in a carton instead of a clear bottle.

Side Effects

Serious side effects from too much TROOP-C (Vitamin C) are very rare, because the body cannot store the vitamin. However, amounts greater than 2,000 mg/day are not recommended. Doses this high can lead to stomach upset and diarrhea. Large doses of vitamin C supplementation are not recommended during pregnancy. They can lead to shortage of vitamin C in the baby after delivery.

Too little TROOP-C (Vitamin C) can lead to signs and symptoms of deficiency, including:

– Anemia

– Bleeding gums

– Decreased ability to fight infection

– Decreased wound-healing rate

– Dry and splitting hair

– Easy bruising

– Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)

– Nosebleeds

– Possible weight gain because of slowed metabolism

– Rough, dry, scaly skin

– Swollen and painful joints

– Weakened tooth enamel

A severe form of vitamin C deficiency is known as scurvy. This mainly affects older, malnourished adults.

Smokers or those who are around secondhand smoke at any age should increase their daily amount of TROOP-C (Vitamin C).

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and those who smoke need higher amounts of TROOP-C (Vitamin C).

Comments

Add to cart